Friday, April 27, 2012

I learned something new this week. I learned that there is a National Infertility Association and this week is Infertility Awareness Week. I don't particularly like to read how others deal with infertility because I strongly believe that it's a very personal struggle and everyone handles it differently. However different, it seems the feeling of grief and pain can only be understood from those that deal with it personally.

Until this moment only my sister knew we were experimenting with different medical treatments to get pregnant. We were in the mist of a 'bigger' treatment when we found out about Madelyn and we wished with all our hearts that it would be successful because we thought it would be awesome to have two babies so close in age. Clearly it didn't work and as we move forward with the next step, the biggest obstacle I have to climb is my ignorance. I'm not ignorant about the issue but it sure is easy for me to IGNORE and forget that I have an issue. The theme for this year's Awareness Week is 'Don't Ignore Infertility'. Sooo appropriate for me since I have found bliss in my ignorance.

May I suggest reading Infertility EtiquetteandWhen Fertility Strikesif you or someone you knows struggles with conceiving. Everyone can benefit from reading the articles because you never know, someone close to you might be silently struggling.

It's a very real possibility that Madelyn could be an only child in our family. Which would be such a bummer because Cony now wants 14 kids. We are taking the steps necessary to grow our family and we have faith there is a plan for us. We've been given this obstacle because we CAN find strength in it and become the people God has intended on us becoming. It's comforting to know she DOES have an older brother Gabriel and I hope they can have a sweet relationship as time goes on.

Being a mother has opened my eyes to love and peace I honestly didn't know existed. I feel incredibly blessed to feel that every day I hold our baby. Madelyn has filled in a hole in my heart and there is no going back to the same ol' me (or us).

Sunday, April 22, 2012

We knew once we had a court date to make the adoption final that we wanted to celebrate with our Connecticut family because we would be doing the sealing and blessing in Georgia. Not only that... the finalization of an adoption is kinda a big deal and we thought it deserved a party. I love to throw parties and since this one was so meaningful for us, I wanted to have it somewhere sweet. Thankfully I'm buddy buddy with the director of a local library and she agreed to let us host it there. We wanted it to include the entire family so we had all sorts of activities and food for all. It was a treasure to have so many people we love come celebrate with us.

Monday, April 9, 2012

It was a big weekend celebrating Easter and the finalization of the adoption- which was a great success (will go into greater detail another day).

Easter was beautiful for many reasons but mostly because I was reminded how amazing the significance of this holiday truly is. I'm truly grateful Christ gave his life for mankind and that I can try and try again and He will always be there with open arms.

I couldn't live without my YW counselors/friends and that's real talk.

Cony's Nana spoiled Little Miss silly with a beautiful dress and a bunny.

I can't help but laugh every time I see her cry because it doesn't happen very often and it's just so dang cute.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

I've been looking forward and preparing for this weekend for a few reasons 1. Conference. 2. Today marks 5 years that Cony told me he loved me for the very first time. I actually remember the day most beautifully. We had just spent the day at my parents home in Jefferson (was really hoping to win the lotto last night to buy that house!) watching Conference. At this point we had been dating for just over 4 months and on our car ride home, Cony not only threw the "I love you" at me but he told me that he had been reading the Book of Mormon, knew it was true and wanted to be baptized. I believe my response was "April Fools?!?". I had no idea that he was reading the Book of Mormon. I knew he had been doing a little research on what I believed, but I wasn't expecting him to have his own confirmation so early. Things weren't very easy afterwards but the sacrifice and courage my man has shown over the years amazes me.

So glad I've been able to spend the last 5 years with CBM3.

His very first church activity playing broom hockey...

My favorite of us on our honeymoon...

Sometimes I think our little girl might be a Ginger. Which would just tickle me pink!

And this beauty had a birthday yesterday. I just know this is going to be the best year yet.